Sibiri Samaké (b. 1962, Fadiobougou, Mali) a musician, sage and donso hunter was from a young age introduced to the old world Mande traditions of the hunters' society as well as to music. His father, Djomadje Samaké was both a blacksmith and by end of his 115 years, a Grand Master Donso hunter for 107 villages. Blacksmiths as well as hunters are revered and play a prominent role in Manding history and society. Samaké's musicality can also be attributed to his mother, Nango Bagayoko, acclaimed as one of the best singers found in Djitoumou and its surroundings. Samaké began playing the Donso's harp, a musical instrument called the Donso N'goni in 1973. During the eighties he performed, acted, sang, danced and toured with the Troupe Théâtrale Bamako. He has belonged to this mystical and fiercely protected tradition of the hunters' society for more than three decades. Their alchemical traditions mean that he is well versed as a traditional healer, a renowned fortuneteller and Komo owner. Samaké's musical talents extending beyond playing Donso music include composing and arranging his own songs. In 1995, Samaké released his first CD, Musique des chasseurs Sébénikoro. Dambe Foli, meaning traditional music in Bambara, is his second and forth coming album due out this fall 2011 on the K.S.K. record label. Sibiri has collaborated on several fusion projects in Europe as well as with Bill Laswell who recently remixed Sibiri’s music for a K.S.K. film trailer. He has toured much of the African continent and has performed in both Europe and the Americas. His music harks to his formidable presence and talents, a man not to be taken lightly.
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